Northwest Herald wrestling preview: Five to watch in 2021-2022

Nik Jimenez, Marian Central, sr.

The COVID-19 pandemic took away the IHSA state meet last season, but Jimenez won the IWCOA state championship in Class 2A at 113 pounds. Now the senior is looking to make his third IHSA state meet and will try to win a state title after finishing second as a sophomore.

Brock Wood, Richmond-Burton, sr.

The 2021 Northwest Herald Male Athlete of the Year has high expectations this wrestling season. The senior won the IWCOA state title in Class 1A at 220 pounds and finished 22-1 last season. After finishing his football season as the team’s running back, he’ll now focus on wrestling this winter.

Dillon Carlson, Crystal Lake Central, sr.

Crystal Lake Central coach Justen Lehr has high expectations for his senior wrestler. Carlson finished third in the IWCOA Class 2A 145 bracket, falling in the semifinals, 3-0, before winning his third-place match, 5-1. Now Carlson is looking forward to competing for a state title.

Brody Hallin, McHenry, sr.

Hallin had a good taste of success last season. The senior finished fourth last season in Class 3A at 152 pounds at the IWCOA state meet after losing in an overtime tiebreaker to the state champion in the semifinals. He will try to return to the IHSA state meet for the third time.

Shane Moran, Crystal Lake South, sr.

Moran will try to make a return to the IHSA state meet this season. After barely missing the cut as a freshman, the senior competed at the IHSA state meet as a sophomore and then qualified for the IWCOA state meet last season. He’ll be a leader for his team.